The BRICS (Bronchiectasis Radiologically Indexed CT Score): A Multicenter Study Score for Use in Idiopathic and Postinfective Bronchiectasis.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to develop a simplified radiological score that could assess clinical disease severity in bronchiectasis.

Methods: The Bronchiectasis Radiologically Indexed CT Score (BRICS) was devised based on a multivariable analysis of the Bhalla score and its ability in predicting clinical parameters of severity. The score was then externally validated in six centers in 302 patients.

T1 characteristics of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis on 3T MRI-a predictor of early interstitial change?

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is routinely used for diagnosis and characterisation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The technique however has limited sensitivity in detection and monitoring of early fibrotic changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate T1 characteristics in the radiologically diseased lung parenchyma in IPF patient compared to apparently normal parenchyma in both interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients and healthy volunteers and to investigate the feasibility of the technique in prediction of early fibrotic lung changes that may not be visible on CT.

Automated data capture from free-text radiology reports to enhance accuracy of hospital inpatient stroke codes.

Purpose: Much potentially useful clinical information for pharmacoepidemiological research is contained in unstructured free-text documents and is not readily available for analysis. Routine health data such as Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR01) frequently use generic 'stroke' codes. Free-text Computerised Radiology Information System (CRIS) reports have potential to provide this missing detail.